Lancaster County Property Tax Rate
Pennsylvania
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania has an effective property tax rate of 1.32%, which is 43% higher than the national average of 0.92%. On a home valued at $301,100, homeowners pay approximately $3,975 per year in property taxes. Lancaster County ranks #25 out of 67 counties in Pennsylvania for property tax rates. Since 2020, the median bill has risen 11.5% while home values gained 37.7%. The county's largest city with its own tax profile is Lancaster, where the median annual bill is $3,286.
$3,975
Per year
$301,100
2024 estimate
4.57%
Median income: $86,959
#25
of 67 counties in PA
Tax Breakdown
With Mortgage
$4,039
median annual tax
Without Mortgage
$3,875
median annual tax
Homeowners with a mortgage in Lancaster County pay on average $164 more per year than those without. This difference often reflects how property tax escrow accounts in mortgaged homes capture the full tax obligation.
How Lancaster County Compares
Top Counties in Pennsylvania
Historical Property Tax Trends
Between 2020 and 2024, the median property tax bill in Lancaster County rose 11.5% (from $3,565 to $3,975), while the median home value climbed 37.7%. The effective tax rate fell from 1.63% to 1.32% over the same period.
| Year | Median Tax | Median Home Value | Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $3,565 | $218,700 | 1.63% |
| 2021 | $3,677 | $229,300 | 1.60% |
| 2022 | $3,913 | $263,600 | 1.48% |
| 2023 | $3,941 | $279,400 | 1.41% |
| 2024 | $3,975 | $301,100 | 1.32% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
Pennsylvania Property Tax Exemptions
Available to Lancaster County homeowners
Homestead Exclusion
Varies by school district (no statewide fixed amount); median exclusion around $8,000-$15,000 where offered
Primary residence owners in school districts that have adopted the exclusion
Property Tax/Rent Rebate (Over 65/Disabled)
Up to $1,000 rebate (supplemental rebates may increase this to $1,500)
Homeowners age 65+, widows/widowers age 50+, or disabled age 18+; income limit of $45,000 for homeowners
Disabled Veteran
100% exemption from property taxes on primary residence
Veterans with 100% permanent service-connected disability; surviving spouse may retain
Not sure which exemption applies to you? See our full homestead exemption guide for all 50 states, including amounts and application deadlines.
Property Tax Calculator
Estimate your annual property tax in Lancaster County
Estimated Annual Property Tax
$3,960
$330/month · Rate: 1.32%
Compare other counties with the Pennsylvania Property Tax Calculator.
Nearby Counties
Quick Facts
Think your property tax is too high?
Homeowners save an average of $1,148/year by appealing their assessment.
Learn How to Appeal →Cities in Lancaster County
Explore property tax data for 1 city in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
| City | Annual Tax | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Lancaster | $3,286 | 1.61% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Effective tax rates are calculated by dividing median real estate taxes paid by median home value. Actual property tax rates may vary based on local taxing jurisdictions, exemptions, and assessment practices. This information is for general reference only and should not be used as a substitute for professional tax advice.